BUFFALO, N.Y. — One of the Queen City’s most beloved events, the Taste of Buffalo, finally made its in-person return on Saturday.

Thousands came out to enjoy food, desserts and beverages from over 20 vendors in Niagara Square. 


What You Need To Know

  • The 38th Annual Taste of Buffalo kicked off in Niagara Square Saturday, July 10

  • The festival went virtual last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic

  • Admission is free once more after backlashed received for the initial implementation of $20 admission tickets for four-hour sessions this year

  • Attendees with proof of vaccination are not required to wear masks to the event

In light of violent crimes in the city as of late, security presence has been increased at this year’s festival. 

While the two-day food fest was scaled down this year, Saturday’s turnout was a promising sign of things returning to normal and a preview of possibilities for next year.

"It’s a good time, although it’s not as big as it usually is," David Perri, co-owner of Pizza Amore said. "So people are going to get inundated all day, which is good for us. And we’re hoping that people do come down and hopefully next year. We’ll get back to normal and have over a hundred vendors.”

After widespread criticism, organizers of the event waived the $20 admission fee and did away with plans to divide the days into sessions.

Though the festival has less offerings compared to 56 vendors in 2019, the turnout was impressive within the first couple of hours, especially considering this is the Taste’s first in-person event in over a year. 2020’s event was made virtual due to the COVID-19 pandemic. There are even some new offerings this year, like the Bubble Bar, Buffalo’s first mobile wine bar and a unique alternative to traditional beer and winery vendors.

“This is our seventh time on the road ever, so we’re very, very, very new to the scene," said Bubble Bar co-owner Anne McIntosh. "We’re excited to be here at the Taste of Buffalo because we’re just in Hamburg, New York, but we needed everyone in Western New York to see what we have going on.”

Day one will be wrapping up Saturday at 9 p.m. and day two will run Sunday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Attendees with proof of vaccination are not required to wear masks.